There are several factors to consider when thinking about replacement windows. Besides aesthetic qualities that will complement your home’s architectural style, you want your new windows to last for many years and keep the elements out and let natural light in. Another important consideration is energy efficiency. Various standards and estimations are used to compare the insulating properties of different windows. The most important factor is arguably the SHGC.
In this post, Polk Contracting, Inc., a reputable roofing contractor shares about solar heat gain so you will have a better understanding of how ratings relate to a comfortable home.
The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between zero and one. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits. Low-E glass is the hero here. Low-E glass has a coating that reflects heat back to its source. The better the glass is at reflecting heat the lower the number will be on the sticker.
Solar heat gain, being the primary mode of energy transfer through most fenestration products, can lead to overheating in the summer and provide free heat in the winter. According to a residential roofing service expert, It’s essential to consider climate, the sun’s direction, and typical shading conditions at your building’s location to balance and maximize the potential benefits. A building with little or no consideration for optimizing the SHGC will end up with a structure that overheats when sunlight passes through the fenestration products. This causes the building’s cooling system to work hard and inefficiently to reduce the building’s heat gain.
When using the appropriate SHGC for the glass, given its location, orientation, and angle relative to the sun, the building’s energy performance can be greatly improved by reducing its thermal load during the summer and gaining heat during the cold winter months.
Polk Contracting, Inc. is a premier insurance restoration contractor in Churchville, MD that specializes in home and business restoration assistance. We offer only the best window products around, complemented by expert craftsmanship honed over years of serving countless homes in Bel Air, MD, and the surrounding communities. This ensures the best results each time, guaranteeing you make the most of investing in new windows for your home.
To learn more about our products and services give Polk Contracting, Inc. a call today at (410) 835-4586. You can also request a free estimate by filling out our contact form and we’ll get back to you. We proudly serve homeowners in all of Harford, Cecil and Baltimore Counties.